Hudson DuRoss
He was with us...
Those four words pretty much sum it up: Hudson was a faithful friend who, for the last 11 years, was there at every turn. Looking back through the albums, from the ones on the shelves, to those on the computer, nearly each one has a photo of Hudson in there. Sometimes front and center, other times just hanging in the background.
He was really our first kid. We married September 1999, and we picked Hudson out of the litter in early 2000. We named him after "Hudson Rock" at Joshua Tree. He saw it all. Every house we lived in, nearly every adventure, a move across the country, school, house remodeling, and kids. He spent many nights in the tent, in the vestibule, in the truck, and just lounging around in the back yard with us.
He was a great dog. Although annoying at times, Hudson was never far. He was famous for following you around the house, only content and willing to snooze if he knew you were close by. His favorite place to lay was at your feet, whether in the kitchen, under the table, in the garden, or on the floor next to the shower. The first four years were crazy - he would run and run, steal things (shoes, clothes, etc.) and then run some more. He loved to play fetch, swim, lounge in the shade, follow me into the ocean surfing, roll in the snow, go for hikes, and just take strolls around the blocks.
Literally, he was there through thick and thin. He was there when we brought Finn home from the hospital; although he wasn't sure what to think at first, he quickly accepted Finn as part of the family and realized that he was an excellent source of food. He was there on Finn's birthday, his first day of preschool, and on the day we brought Nola home. I have great memories of Finn playing with him, feeding him, walking him, and hugging him. Hudson never complained, never turned down a treat (or dropped food), never failed to bark at the mailman, never had a bad day, never lost his temper, never failed to wag his tail when you came through the door. He was a comfort when we lost loved ones, when Erika miscarried, when we were having bad days.
The last month was difficult. Good days and bad days. Days when we thought he'd pull through; days when we thought it was the end...when he just couldn't take another step and I'd have to carry him inside. We're glad that we were able to take him on one last adventure together...to a cabin where he wandered, got muddy, and just enjoyed being with us.
Hudson, you will be missed. Thank you for teaching us what unconditional love really is. Goodbye "good ole boy."
Chris, Erika, Finn, and Nola
My favorite photo of Hudson. In the San Rafael Swell
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7 comments:
Great post. I feel like Hudson was our first nephew on the DuRoss side. We always loved having a dog in the family and so close! I loved stealing him for runs and hikes and how excited he would get when I walked through the door. He did have a gift for comforting. I have cried several times at your house and found Hudson within seconds at my feet, open to petting and hugging or a lick of the face. Sweet boy- there is a special place in doggy heaven for souls like his. :)
Amazing post that put a big lump in my throat and brought tears to my eyes.
I only met Hudson a couple of times but feel like I knew him very well. He rarely failed to say hello in his own way during our conversations on the phone.
I feel for you guys and know there is a big void right now at home. It is so true what you wrote. A dog (Hudson) is such an amazing example of unconditional love. No pre-conceived expectations. They just want to be with you...Wherever you are, whatever mood you are in, whatever you are doing.
So we are sending our love and big hugs to you, Erika, Finn, and Nola in this tough time.
Love,
D
What sad news!! I am so sad for you all! What a GREAT post Chris! I loved it. I found myself either laughing or fighting tears through it all because it was SO true. Every bit of it was HIM and it showed so well how much he meant to you all! The pictures were awesome too. He really was there for it all. I know he is greatly missed by you all and I am sorry for your loss.
Oops - that was me not Madison. I didn't realize she was signed it :-)
I agree with Derek...a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. Hudson was a loyal, loving dog. I did not walk him nearly as much as Audrey, but I do have many memories of taking Hudson on walks, (and remember that collar contraption he used to wear!) he was always enthusiastic, even later when he paid for it with soreness. I never knew it was possible to actually cook a dinner with Huds on top of my feet, but it could be done! We are sad with you and wish we were closer to give you hugs.
Chris & Erica, Amazing pics of Hudson-really shows his personality in each one. I wish I'd met your good 'ol boy and I'm so sorry that he's left you all for now. It's a huge loss and you'll always miss him. So...do dogs & cats live in heaven? You better believe it! My fav pic is of Hudson running after Chris! Thanks for doing this post. love to you guys, Laura & Al
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